U.S. Thanksgiving is only 3 days away so I imagine lots of OC Net members may be travelling and away from their computers. I wanted to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving, a safe journey, and many blessings.

Our priest yesterday made a good point to remind us to pray this Thanksgiving for those in other countries that do not enjoy the freedom of worship and religion that we take for granted. He encouraged us to pray for Orthodox Christians and all other Christians worldwide who are struggling for their faith under oppression. In its own way, OC Net is helping with that mission. Let's all give thanks for the Christian community of OC Net and the good fellowship we enjoy. Our posts are (or should be) witnesses to Christ and bearers of Christian charity.

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On the spiritual path somewhere between the Simpsons and St. Theophan the Recluse, but I still can't see the Springfield city limits sign yet.

May I join you in wishing all Americans on the OC. net happy Thanksgiving. All best to all of you!

In my native Ukraine, we do not have a holiday similar to Thanksgiving. In villages, older people sometimes celebrate an "Obzhynky" festival, in mid- to late October, somewhat similar to the German "Oktoberfest." But there is absolutely no tradition of gathering in families with the special purpose to give thanks to the Lord and to each other for good things that have happened to us. Actually, compared to Americans, Ukrainians on the whole are much less inclined to think that any good things ever happened or happen or will happen to them. Our culture is much more pessimistic, complaining, cynical.

Even though we have already lived in the US for 17.5 eyars, my wife and I still haven't quite learnt to celebrate this holiday. But we do wish all best to all who celebrate.

Actually, compared to Americans, Ukrainians on the whole are much less inclined to think that any good things ever happened or happen or will happen to them. Our culture is much more pessimistic, complaining, cynical.

A whole country of Eeyores (Winnie the Pooh)? George - you never strike me as pessimistic, complaining or cynical. Cheerful and upbeat always. So are you an anomaly?

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On the spiritual path somewhere between the Simpsons and St. Theophan the Recluse, but I still can't see the Springfield city limits sign yet.

This is getting off the subject I know, but do you think the difference in a nation's psyche so to speak, is determined by the length of history, the emotional impact of wars, changing political systems, etc... America has not had the sobering effect and sorrow of multiple major wars on its territory, has had a stable political system, and had the positive influence of immigration which brings an influx of hopeful, optimistic newcomers. Ukraine on the other hand, has gotten more than her fair share of history's hard knocks.

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On the spiritual path somewhere between the Simpsons and St. Theophan the Recluse, but I still can't see the Springfield city limits sign yet.

This is getting off the subject I know, but do you think the difference in a nation's psyche so to speak, is determined by the length of history, the emotional impact of wars, changing political systems, etc... America has not had the sobering effect and sorrow of multiple major wars on its territory, has had a stable political system, and had the positive influence of immigration which brings an influx of hopeful, optimistic newcomers. Ukraine on the other hand, has gotten more than her fair share of history's hard knocks.

This is getting off the subject I know, but do you think the difference in a nation's psyche so to speak, is determined by the length of history, the emotional impact of wars, changing political systems, etc... America has not had the sobering effect and sorrow of multiple major wars on its territory, has had a stable political system, and had the positive influence of immigration which brings an influx of hopeful, optimistic newcomers. Ukraine on the other hand, has gotten more than her fair share of history's hard knocks.